Buying a Greenhouse

Start growing your favourite flowers earlier in the season, extend the life of your vegetable garden past harvest time, or expand your existing potting shed with a greenhouse. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, a greenhouse can be a charming garden fixture with vintage-style glass panels, or it can be a compact addition for protecting a small vegetable garden. From commercial grower greenhouses to portable greenhouse racks, read on for more information on how to choose a greenhouse to suit your gardening needs.

Commercial Greenhouses

Commercial greenhouses, also known as grower greenhouses, are a heavy-duty, permanent option that's suitable for nursery owners, farmers, and dedicated gardeners. Since they are larger than your typical consumer or hobby greenhouses, these greenhouses are relatively permanent, year-round outdoor fixtures that take more time for assembly. Because of these factors, commercial greenhouses generally start at a higher price point.

​Available in different sizes, commercial greenhouses are great for the dedicated gardener who likes the option of expanding and upgrading their greenhouse into a larger structure.

Hobby Greenhouses

This type of greenhouse is a common solution for any home gardener looking to extend the growing season. The majority of greenhouses are considered starter or hobby greenhouses, ranging from smaller enclosed racks to large garden fixtures. Choose from a variety of price points, sizes, and features to fit all levels of gardening.

Types of Greenhouses

Cold Frames​

Featuring a translucent lifting top, cold frame greenhouses extend the season for home gardens and vegetables. Cold frames, similar to hotbeds, are built into the ground with a glass or translucent top enclosure. They can be used to grow seedlings and are an ideal place to grow vegetables before and after the traditional vegetable seasons (later in autumn and earlier in spring).

Mini Greenhouses and Growing Racks

Perfect for a small backyard or patio, mini greenhouses are great for seedlings and small plants. For a small collection of plants, a mini greenhouse or rack provides a compact option. Instead of a sturdier structure with a foundation, mini greenhouses and racks feature a few shelves or racks with a polyethylene plastic enclosure. Growing racks provide shelving to organize, store, and grow plants before planting them in the ground.

Lean-To Greenhouses

Depending on wall space near your garden, a lean-to greenhouse can be a great choice. Lean-to greenhouses are constructed against an existing wall, which provides better heat retention and the final structure takes up less space. The initial installation takes more work because you will need to evaluate the specifications of your wall and what size and type of greenhouse will work best for your needs.

Materials

Panel Materials

Whether glass or plastic, panels provide the heat protection and light filtration necessary for a prosperous growing environment. Most panels come at the same thickness, however some come with thicker panel options for additional heat protection from the elements or with thinner panels for maximum light filtration. * Glass: In addition to giving your greenhouse a clean, beautiful look, glass panels offer maximum visibility and light filtration. Like all glass structures, there is a risk of breakage.

• Plastic: As the more affordable option, durable plastic can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.

Frame Materials

Most greenhouse frames come in aluminum and steel , which provide a durable and long-lasting support structure. Steel is generally more affordable, however it is more likely to rust than an aluminum frame. Wood frames are usually used for cold frame greenhouses, which are on the ground close to the soil. ​For a temporary and affordable option, look at plastic or resin greenhouse frames.* Aluminum: Lightweight yet durable, these frames are easy to assemble and will never rust

• Steel: As the strongest option, steel offers long-lasting support
• Resin: Resin is lightweight, strong, and affordable, but susceptible to warping in the heat
• Wood: Paintable and aesthetically pleasing, wood is a great option that's more permanent
• Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, non-porous plastic is resistant to rotting

Features

• Built-in vents promote air circulation and help regular temperature inside the greenhouse. For smaller greenhouses, look for a wrap-up plastic panel.
• Greenhouses that don't require foundations are able to maintain structural integrity without a foundation. They are typically smaller, starter options with just a few shelves or racks. This makes them easy to assemble and more portable.
• Greenhouses with glass panels and heavier, more permanent greenhouses will require a foundation for maximum support. Lean-to greenhouses may also require a foundation so the weight is supported correctly against the wall. Most greenhouses that require a foundation will already come with one included that fits the frame for easy assembly.